Toowoomba apprentice celebrated for outstanding achievement

A local apprentice at TAFE Queensland is in the running to be named the Darling Downs South West Apprentice of the Year in the 60th Queensland Training Awards with the winners to be announced online on Friday 30 July. 

Hans van der Merwe who is an apprentice electrician at Oakey Beef Export is studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus and has been named as one of three regional finalists in the prestigious Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year category.

TAFE Queensland General Manager in the South West region Brent Kinnane said he is incredibly proud of Hans’ outstanding achievement.

“To be acknowledged as a finalist in the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year category recognises Hans’ commitment and dedication to his skills and training.”

“Each year, the Awards showcase just how valuable people who possess hands-on, practical skills are to Queensland’s industries, communities, and local economies.”

“TAFE Queensland’s strong industry partnerships ensure students like Hans can confidently pursue their vocational studies and build lifelong careers,” said Mr Kinnane.

Hans is now pursuing his career at Oakey Beef Exports, with General Manager Grant Coleman congratulating him on the feat.

“Hans or HL as he prefers, has been an exceptional and committed employee.”

“Having previously worked within in the plant gave him a broad understanding of the plant which added to the knowledge and value he brought to his apprenticeship.”

“HL is now sharing his knowledge and expertise to help our new apprentices to achieve their best, he is a very good person and definitely fits the selection criteria for this prominent award,” said Mr Coleman.

Across the Darling Downs and South West region, there were 33 finalists recognised.

Bruce McConnel, TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA) General Manager said it’s fantastic to have so many locals honoured as part of the Queensland Training Awards.

“This recognition for the quality of training delivered through TAFE Queensland’s Rural Centre of Excellence to our regional industries, like Oakey Beef Exports, is an example of why Toowoomba’s agriculture and food sector is performing so well.”

“The TAFE facility is able to train up to an additional 400 students every year, and we know there are so many other stories of success which have come from TAFE Queensland,” said Mr McConnel.

The award winners will be announced online later this month with the state winners revealed at a Gala Dinner in September.

Mr Kinnane said he looks forward to the regional finals which are always hotly contested.

“We wish Hans the very best of luck,” he said.

The Queensland Training Awards are the peak, state awards for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Queenslanders.

For more information about the awards, visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta/winners-and-finalists/regions/ddsw-winners-finalists.

Photo credit: Oakey Champion